Sydney Council Moves to Phase Out Gas Appliances in New Developments
City of Sydney endorses all-electric building rules from January 2026 and commercial buildings by 2027 amid health and climate concerns
The City of Sydney has unanimously voted to require new residential developments to forgo indoor fossil-fuel gas appliances and adopt electric cooking, heating and cooling systems beginning 1 January 2026, with large offices, hotels and serviced apartments set to transition by 1 January 2027. The council meeting endorsed this shift as a public-health and climate-action measure, citing indoor pollutants linked to gas use and estimated household savings of about A$626 per year.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore described the move as “simply a logical next step” in ensuring new buildings are healthier, more energy-efficient and avoid lock-in to rising gas prices and potential supply issues.
The planning changes do not apply to existing buildings, industrial facilities or situations where electrification is not feasible.
Outdoor barbecues and fittings are not explicitly banned under this phase.
Industry bodies and the New South Wales state government have expressed reservations.
The Planning Minister clarified that the council’s motion amends its Development Control Plan—which offers guidance rather than mandatory regulation—and that the state has no current plan for a full state-wide ban on gas connections.
Hospitality and property sectors cautioned the move may hamper flexibility, particularly for new restaurants and specialised commercial kitchens.
Medical and climate-science voices welcomed the initiative.
Indoor combustion of gas is linked to elevated nitrogen dioxide, benzene and formaldehyde levels, and studies estimate that around 12 per cent of current childhood asthma cases in Australia are attributable to gas-stove use.
Advocates of electrification say the policy places Sydney at the forefront of building-design reforms as the national energy grid evolves and emissions targets tighten.
With the council having now joined at least six other local governments in New South Wales adopting similar electrification controls, the decision signals growing pressure on the state government to consider broader regulation.
For new homebuyers, developers and planners, the message is clear: future-proofed buildings in the city will increasingly be all-electric rather than gas-connected.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore described the move as “simply a logical next step” in ensuring new buildings are healthier, more energy-efficient and avoid lock-in to rising gas prices and potential supply issues.
The planning changes do not apply to existing buildings, industrial facilities or situations where electrification is not feasible.
Outdoor barbecues and fittings are not explicitly banned under this phase.
Industry bodies and the New South Wales state government have expressed reservations.
The Planning Minister clarified that the council’s motion amends its Development Control Plan—which offers guidance rather than mandatory regulation—and that the state has no current plan for a full state-wide ban on gas connections.
Hospitality and property sectors cautioned the move may hamper flexibility, particularly for new restaurants and specialised commercial kitchens.
Medical and climate-science voices welcomed the initiative.
Indoor combustion of gas is linked to elevated nitrogen dioxide, benzene and formaldehyde levels, and studies estimate that around 12 per cent of current childhood asthma cases in Australia are attributable to gas-stove use.
Advocates of electrification say the policy places Sydney at the forefront of building-design reforms as the national energy grid evolves and emissions targets tighten.
With the council having now joined at least six other local governments in New South Wales adopting similar electrification controls, the decision signals growing pressure on the state government to consider broader regulation.
For new homebuyers, developers and planners, the message is clear: future-proofed buildings in the city will increasingly be all-electric rather than gas-connected.
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